Size of new homes up for debate

June 27, 2001|By Dean Geroulis.

PARK RIDGE — The Park Ridge Planning and Zoning Commission has rejected a proposal that would have reduced the maximum size of new single-family homes.

However, commissioners Monday did recommend limiting the bulk of new homes by creating a penalty for ceilings that are more than 12 feet high. A third proposal, which was to include some attic space when calculating the total allowable floor area of a house, was rejected.

All three recommendations are tentatively scheduled to go before the City Council on Aug. 20.

Several commissioners said the issue of new homes is one of design and perception rather than size and suggested that the matter be turned over to the city's Appearance Commission to consider design guidelines.

The most controversial of the three proposals submitted to the commission would have reduced the maximum floor area ratio allowed on new homes to 34 percent of lot size plus 590 square feet. The existing ordinance limits floor area to 45 percent of lot size. On a 7,000-square-foot lot, the new measure would reduce the maximum size of a home by 180 square feet.

Half the lots in Park Ridge are 7,000 square feet or smaller.

Supporters of lower floor-area ratios say the look and character of the city is being adversely changed as older homes are demolished and replaced with larger structures.